Page 2 - SN October - Grade 4

Music

MS. LJUDMILA JANICIJEVIC

Dear Parents,

Grade four students opened the new school year with a very exciting transdisciplinary unit Who We
Are – Heroes, using its central idea that we can all demonstrate the characteristics of heroes. Many
inspiring stories and fruitful discussions made students get familiar with a large number of heroes of
music. What they found especially inspiring were comparisons of music heroes from the past – such
as Bob Dylan with his beautiful tune “Blowin’ in the Wind,” Carl Orff with his world known” Car-
mina Burana” and Paul Winter with his exquisite work, both as a composer and saxophone player –
with modern music heroes and new celebrities – such as “Piano Guys” and “2 Cellos.” Students had
many lively discussions, sharing their thoughts on celebrities in music now and then. They were able
to define the common characteristics of heroes, how heroes behave, how people become heroes,
what choices heroes make etc. One of especially important questions was passionately discussed:
How can YOU be a hero, collectively or individually?

Grade four students had their own way to show true heroism, recently: they performed out of
school, in front of big audience, singing the famous and wonderful “Ode to Joy“as a part of the
opening ceremony of European Language Day. Both students and their music teacher are grateful
to all parents and teachers for their support.

Over September, students also played classroom instruments, aiming to accompany different tunes.
Each tune provided students with unique musical challenge, as well as with the opportunity to ex-
press themselves in different ways. Students then extended their learning by focusing on movement
and sound, while exploring different rhythmic patterns.

At this point, students are gearing up for the next unit, Dance. A lot of excitement was already gener-
ated around this unit: students are constantly contributing ideas, while also expressing their desire to
familiarize themselves with as many dancing styles as possible. With that said, we will start working
on the selection of songs for the Winter Performance, but also look for ways to incorporate some of
the dance unit highlights there too.